Bumper cars have always been a source of fun, regardless of age. But have you ever wondered if the excitement could increase with the size of the car? Well, in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, there is a super-sized bumper car that might just put that theory to the test. Dan Hryhorcoff, a retired machine shop owner, decided to take on a unique project during the peak of the COVID pandemic. Using his skills in fabrication, he created a giant road-legal bumper car that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Now, before you get too excited, this massive bumper car cannot be used for bumping into other cars. However, it is completely road-legal and steers just like a real bumper car. Surprisingly, this unique vehicle is registered as a three-wheeled motorcycle. The rear-engine trike transformation features a 2007 Chevrolet Aveo’s front clip, complete with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. But here’s the twist – the engine is actually mounted at the back of the car. The oversized steering wheel is connected to a motorcycle fork with a single wheel, allowing the car to turn almost like a traditional bumper car, almost spinning in place.
The design of this giant bumper car is based on the classic 1953 Lusse Auto Skooter, a popular bumper car design still found in many amusement parks today. Hryhorcoff meticulously took measurements of the original bumper car, scaled them up, created a mold, and crafted the realistic body out of fiberglass. This attention to detail not only gives the car its authentic look but also means that bumping into other vehicles could damage the body. So, intentional collisions on the road are definitely not recommended.
Despite the limitations on bumping, Hryhorcoff takes his unique creation to car shows, coffee runs, and occasional drives. While high-speed collisions are out of the question, the fact that this road-legal bumper car looks and steers like the real deal makes it a standout custom project that turns heads wherever it goes. It’s safe to say that this giant bumper car is one of the coolest and most creative vehicles we’ve seen in a long time.
In a world of standard cars and trucks, seeing a road-legal bumper car cruising down the streets is a refreshing and entertaining sight. It serves as a reminder of the joy and creativity that can come from unconventional projects and unique ideas. Who knows, maybe this giant bumper car will inspire others to think outside the box and create their unique custom vehicles that bring smiles to people’s faces.